Spectrum Plan

(1) The PUC shall be vested with the control, planning, administration, management and licensing of the radio frequency spectrum. (2) In controlling, planning, administering, managing and licensing the use of the radio frequency spectrum, the PUC shall comply with the applicable standards and the requirements of the International Telecommunication Union and its Radio Regulations, as agreed to or adopted by Belize. (3) The PUC may from time to time prepare a spectrum allocation plan in respect of any part of the frequency spectrum. (4) A frequency spectrum allocation plan shall– (a) define how the radio spectrum shall be used; (b) aim at ensuring that the radio frequency spectrum is utilised and managed in an orderly, efficient and effective manner; (c) aim at reducing congestion in the use of frequencies and at protecting frequency users from any interference or other inability to make use of the frequencies assigned to them; (d) avoid obstacles to the introduction of new technologies and telecommunication services; (e) aim at providing opportunities for the introduction of the widest range of telecommunication services and the maximum number of users thereof as is practically feasible. (5) In preparing a spectrum plan pursuant to this section, the PUC shall take into account existing uses of the radio frequency spectrum and any frequency band plans in existence or in the course of preparation. (6) The PUC shall give notice in the Gazette of its intention to prepare a plan and in such notice invite interested parties to submit their written representations to the PUC within such period as may be specified in such notice. (7) After due consideration of any representations received pursuant to the notice referred to in sub-section (6) the PUC shall adopt the frequency band plan in question, with or without amendment, and cause such plan to be published in the Gazette. (8) The frequency spectrum allocation plan shall be available to the public at a prescribed fee.